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Basic Pregnancy Massage: A Nurturing Touch Class with Kathryn Hannan • May 17 or July 12, Noon-4 p.m. • For expectant couples interested in learning the benefits of touch during pregnancy. Expectant mothers and one companion learn relaxation pregnancy massage techniques, labor massage techniques, postural re-education as well as proper lying positions. Benefits of pregnancy massage include decreased stress, anxiety, and muscle tension; and increase circulation and overall sense of well-being. Class size limited. $80 per mother/companion pair. Call 332-3800; kathryn@theracaremassagetherapy.com.

Birthing in Awareness with Sierra Hillebrand • June 28, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and June 29, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. • During this dynamic weekend intensive, parents discover the power of birthing in awareness, no matter how the events of labor and birth unfold. We create a safe, nurturing environment that will invite parents to discover their personal strength and wisdom. We balance practical, useful information with introspective, multisensory experiences. $240. Call WomanSafeHealth at 477-5100; info@womansafehealth.com.

Birthin’ Again: Childbirth Preparation for Parents with Prior Birth Experience with Sierra Hillebrand • Aug. 15, 6:30-9 p.m. and Aug. 16, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • This prenatal class is designed to meet the needs of parents preparing to give birth for the second time and beyond. We teach parents the power of birthing in awareness, no matter how the events of labor and birth unfold. We balance practical, useful information with introspective, multisensory experiences. $225. Call WomanSafeHealth at 477-5100; info@womansafehealth.com.

Achieving Pregnancy Naturally: How to Maximize Your Chances of Conceiving and Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy without Medical Intervention with Jennifer Coffman through Indigo Forest • May 1 and 15, or June 5 and 19; 6:30-8:30 p.m. • This two-session class will meet you wherever you are on your journey to conceive, and leave you with a wide range of practical approaches to getting and staying pregnant, including how to chart your cycles to pinpoint your most fertile days, how to time intercourse most effectively, and how to use well-studied simple nutritional strategies to balance your hormones and strengthen your cycle. We will also discuss how lighting, over-the-counter remedies, lubricants, and sexual positions can affect fertility. Special attention will be paid to any specific concerns you are experiencing, such as coming off the pill or other contraception, thyroid problems, not ovulating, repeat miscarriages, a “fertile weight”, and, for men, low sperm count. $90 per woman with partners free. Call 945-0867; jencoff@gmail.com.

Vegetarian and Pregnant with Nicole Paquin through Indigo Forest • May 3, 2:30-4:30 p.m. or July 19, 10 a.m.-Noon • This delicious class for vegetarian moms-to-be will thoroughly cover how to provide essential nutrients for your growing baby, whether you follow a lacto-ova or vegan diet. Come learn about the unique protein needs of pregnancy and how to move beyond the typical soy focus with quality food and herbal sources, including vegetarian DHA needs and sources. Bring a three-day diet diary listing everything you’ve eaten (food, vitamins, liquids, snacks, gum, etc.) for our in-class activity on how to evaluate your daily diet. $35. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Birthing from Within with Krista Dragun through Indigo Forest • Six-week series: Sundays, May 4, 11, 18, June 1, 8, 15, 5:30-8 p.m. or Mondays, June 9, 16, 23, July 7, 14, 21, 6:30-9 p.m. • This class will help prepare you for your journey through birth into parenthood, not only by filling in the blanks of information you are seeking, but also by helping prepare you emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. You will deepen your intuitive knowing through thought-provoking dialogues, birth videos, and memorable exercises including games, drawing, sculpture, and painting. You will begin to build a pain-coping mindset; explore birth culture, pregnancy, and birth logistics; tame your “birth tigers”; and use your B.R.A.I.N. to obtain needed information to make decisions, welcome your baby, and plan for postpartum healing and adjustment. Optional seventh reunion class. $240. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Birth Story Circle with Krista Dragun through Indigo Forest • May 12 or June 22, 5:30-9 p.m. • Birthing mothers, fathers, and everyone who witnesses a birth can be uplifted by the mystery and power of birth and, at the same time, be haunted by feelings of confusion, powerlessness, shame, blame or regret about a particular moment they feel they failed or were failed. Left unresolved, negative feelings and beliefs undermine the joy and confidence of parenting and can negatively affect relationships with partner, baby, friends, and work. In this workshop, you can change the way you feel about your birth by learning how birth trauma does not always begin with birth, recognize predisposing factors and the sources of birth trauma, and begin to heal your own trauma or grief. $60. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

I’m Pregnant (or Almost), Now What? with Beth Barbeau and Elizabeth Shadigian through Indigo Forest • May 17 or June 28, 1-4 p.m. or Aug. 16, 9 a.m.-Noon • This two-session class will answer those questions flooding your brain when the pregnancy test is positive (or when you hope it will be soon!). Most useful in the first four months of pregnancy or before conception, we will cover nutrition for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and having a healthy birth; psychology of the first trimester, including common ambivalent feelings; baby-safe natural solutions to common pregnancy discomforts (nausea and more); safe medication choices; understanding choices in genetic testing, lab work, and ultrasounds; stages of fetal development; choices in birth attendants and locations; sex during pregnancy; when things don’t go well; and how to communicate with your chosen birth attendant/health care provider. $60 per mother. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

What’s in Your Birth Bag with Sierra Hillebrand through Indigo Forest • June 1, 1-4 p.m. • What are the essential tools and supplies in a successful doula’s birth bag? In this playful and interactive workshop, you’ll get a chance to share your knowledge while gathering valuable ideas and suggestions from other doulas. Bring your birth bag! $60. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Comprehensive Childbirth Education Classes with Beth Barbeau and Jeremiah Lee through Indigo Forest • Six-week series: Wednesdays, June 4-July 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m. or Saturdays, July 19-Aug. 23, 3-5 p.m. • With an emphasis on normal birth, this practical class covers what to expect in labor, handling the powerful sensations of birth, pain management choices, and the physical and emotional aspects of becoming parents. We will address medical options and interventions, decision-making under stress, and coping with the unexpected. This series includes a separate fathers/partners session, as well as essential postpartum information for maximum family bonding and quick mother recovery. Bonus Family Recuperation and Infant Questions Reunion eight weeks from the last day of class. $250 per mother and father/partner/support person. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Self Care for Birth Attendants with Sierra Hillebrand through Indigo Forest • June 7, 1-4 p.m. • The life of a birth attendant can be both deeply fulfilling and incredibly demanding. In this workshop, we will cover the basics, such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition strategies for keeping ourselves vibrant and well-resourced, while also addressing much more. This interactive and multisensory workshop will be packed with practical suggestions, strategies, and resources for birth attendants to maintain personal health and well-being on all levels, while doing the work we love. $60. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

VBAC: Vaginal Birth after Caesarean with Beth Barbeau through Indigo Forest • June 14, 2:30-5:30 p.m. or Aug. 13, 6-9 p.m. • Have you had a Caesarean birth and would like to maximize your chances of having a vaginal birth this time? This one-session class will offer current research about safe VBACs, strategies for successful laboring and birthing, proactive measures for building your confidence along with a supportive team, and the opportunity to discuss pressing concerns. $50. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Parent-Doula Meet and Greet at Indigo Forest Pregnancy and Early Parenting Store and Class Studio • June 21, 10:30 a.m.-Noon • This quarterly event provides an efficient way for parents and doulas to find each other. After a brief review of the benefits of doulas (professional labor/postpartum support), parents get a chance to hear local doulas take several minutes each to introduce themselves and then parents and doulas mingle together over tea and snacks. $10. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Strategies for Natural Birthing in a Medical Setting with Beth Barbeau through Indigo Forest • June 29, 2:30-5:30 p.m. or Aug. 20, 6-9 p.m. • This one-session class is a powerful stand-alone or add-on to any childbirth education class. With our local Caesarean surgical birth rates above 30%, what can you do to maximize your chances for a healthy, satisfying, vaginal birth? Emphasizing both the positive and practical, this frank, proactive class is geared to couples near birth, and will cover why labor support, such as doulas, cut the C-section rate in half; safe ways to keep your energy up and your labor effective; how to use lighting to cut your labor time; and many more research and experience-based ideas. $50 per mom with partner/support person free and strongly encouraged to attend. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Birthing from Within Childbirth Series with Hanna Kitchens and Terri Pickett • Thursdays, July 10-Aug. 21, 6-7:30 p.m. • We believe that childbirth is a profound rite of passage. We create a safe, nurturing class environment that invites parents to discover their personal strength and wisdom, balancing practical, useful information with introspective, multi-sensory experiences. $235. Call The Learning Center at 944-3628; info@myurbantoddler.com.

Rebirth: Birthing from Within for Experienced Parents with Krista Dragun • Sundays, May 18-June 1, 2-5 p.m. • Class will offer parents the opportunity to explore aspects of birth including their past birth stories, childbirth options, time to address questions that arose from previous births, pain coping strategies, and preparation for life with a new baby in an existing family. $199. Call The Learning Center at 944-3628; info@myurbantoddler.com.

The Real Scoop on Pregnancy, Birth, and Newborns with Cia Gabriel • July 18 and 25, 6-7:30 p.m. • This class provides honest, down-to-earth information about pregnancy and newborns. Classes are fun, informative, and a great way to connect with other women. Participants will discuss strategies and tips to make childbirth and parenting easier and more enjoyable. $39. Call The Learning Center at 944-3628; info@myurbantoddler.com.

Childbirth Preparation: Condensed Series with Kate Stroud and Patty Brennan of Center for the Childbearing Year • Two Saturdays: July 12 and 19; 1-4:30 p.m. • The condensed series is designed for folks with busy schedules who cannot accommodate a longer series, couples seeking a refresher class for a second (or more!) baby or couples planning a homebirth. We’ll focus just on the basics: the process of labor and birth, coping with pain, support techniques and comfort measures, and the postpartum recovery period. $120 per couple. Call 663-1523; patty@center4cby.com.

Newborn and Infant Care with Kate Stroud of Center for the Childbearing Year • July 9, 7-9:30 p.m. • This class provides expectant parents with practical insights and supportive resources to help smooth the transition into parenthood. Topics include calming the baby, preventing postpartum depression, diapering, equipment/furniture recommendations (what’s really necessary?), and reclaiming your sex life. Rather than teaching the “right” way to parent, emphasis is placed on guiding parents into developing effective solutions that will work for their families. $40 per couple with multi-class discount offered. Call 663-1523; patty@center4cby.com.

Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas with Kate Stroud and Patty Brennan of Center for the Childbearing Year • June 6 or Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. • Want to become a doula and wondering where to start? Get grounded in the basics of childbirth education. Learn how to facilitate informed decision making for your clients with up-to-date information on the benefits/risks/alternatives to medical interventions in the birth process and with the newborn. Topics include anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, labor, and birth; nutrition; and more! $120 with early registration discount offered. Call 663-1523; patty@center4cby.com.

DONA-Approved Birth Doula Workshop with Kate Stroud and Patty Brennan of Center for the Childbearing Year • June 7 and 8, or Aug. 16 and 17, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. • Become a professional Birth Doula. Training covers the doula’s role during pregnancy, emotional support in labor, comfort measures and pain relief, labor support strategies for normal and challenging births, essential communication and mediation skills for doulas, the doula’s role postpartum, and more. Class leads to professional certification through DONA International. No previous medical training is required. 20.5 Nursing CEs. $375 with early registration discount offered. Call 663-1523; patty@center4cby.com.

Rebozos, Palpation, Baby-Mapping and More! Patty Brennan of Center for the Childbearing Year • June 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • This hands-on workshop is appropriate for all birth attendants, including doulas and aspiring and practicing midwives. Participants will practice baby-mapping and palpation on pregnant mothers, keeping alive the lost art of determining fetal position with our hands and senses. We will practice techniques with the rebozo, designed to enhance relaxation, support normal progess in labor, and re-position posterior babies. 6.5 Nursings CEs. $120 with early registration discount offered. Call 663-1523; patty@center4cby.com.

DONA-Approved Postpartum Doula Workshop with Patty Brennan of Center for the Childbearing Year • July 25-27, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. • This course prepares you to provide excellent in-home care to families in the postpartum period. Topics include the doula’s postpartum role, effective listening and communication skills, importance of the birth experience and its impact on postpartum recovery, normal physiologic recovery for the mother and holistic support measures, the newborn baby, support families with multiples, breastfeeding basics and troubleshooting common problems, integrating a new baby into the family, postpartum mood disorders, and more. Class leads to professional certification through DONA International. No previous medical training is required. 25.5 Nursing CEs. $450 with early registration discount offered. Call 663-1523; patty@center4cby.com.

Postpartum Home Visits: Adjustment Needs, Depression Screening, and Support Strategies with Patty Brennan of Center for the Childbearing Year • June 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • This training is designed to help professional be more effective in interactions during postpartum visits and to enhance their ability to provide services to depressed mothers. Topics include the “myths of motherhood,” use of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, strategies for providing support, prioritizing needs, mobilization of resources, and creating postpartum care plans. 6.5 Nursing CEs. $120 with early registration discount offered. Call 663-1523; patty@center4cby.com.

BreastFeeding

Breastfeeding Consultations with Jane Mueller through Indigo Forest • Wednesdays, 1:30-2 or 3:30-4 p.m. • Need some personalized problem-solving? Professional support or private classes available, as are weekend and evening appointments. $25 for 30 minutes. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Nursing Cafe with Jane Mueller through Indigo Forest • Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m. • Come hang out with other nursing moms and sip nursing tea, with professional lactation support on-hand for questions and help. $10 per drop-in or $75 for a 12-visit pass for use anytime in your baby’s first year. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Breastfeeding Made Simple with Jane Mueller through Indigo Forest • May 7, June 11 or July 30; 3:30-5 p.m. • Get off to a good start with the inside scoop on all the things you might not know you need to know. Bust the myths and get the facts on which side effects from labor and delivery can get in the way of a normal breastfeeding experience. This practical confidence-building class will give you the information you need BEFORE you birth to know how to help your baby latch without pain (yours), nursing positions to maximize weight gain (theirs), and the surprising answers to the question, “What is normal?” $35 per mother with father/support person free. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Breastfeeding and the Unexpected with Jane Mueller through Indigo Forest • May 21, 3:30-5 p.m. • Learn tips for maintaining the breastfeeding relationship under difficult circumstances such as nursing through a Cesarean recovery, breast infection or postpartum depression. Strategizing practical solutions and identifying resources ahead of time can greatly reduce the stress of such common and often unexpected challenges. Recommended prenatally, although may be taken with your newborn. $35 per mother with father/support person free. Evening, weekend or private classes by appointment. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Nighttime Nursing with Jane Mueller through Indigo Forest • July 9, 3:30-5 p.m. • Come discuss infant sleep patterns and how to avoid sleep deprivation. We’ll explore safety and sleep locations, and how to safely meet the nighttime needs of all family members. This is the class that parents most often say they wish they took before the baby was born! $35 per mother with father/support person free. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Breastfeeding the Allergic Baby with Jane Mueller through Indigo Forest • Aug. 20, 3:30-5 p.m. • This essential class cuts through the confusion often present when a breastfeeding infant shows signs of allergies. Learn to distinguish allergic symptoms, the five worst dietary offenders, and how to use an elimination diet. $35 per mother with father/support person free. Call 994-8010; beth@indigoforestcompany.com.

Breastfeeding Basics with Barbara Robertson of Center for the Childbearing Year • Two Wednesdays: May 7 and 14, or June 25 and July 2, 6:30-8:45 p.m.; or Saturday, Aug. 9, 12:30-5 p.m. • We want to help your breastfeeding experience be satisfying, joyful, and pain-free! This class prepares the mother-to-be for a successful breastfeeding experience. Topics include latching and positioning the baby, overcoming common obstacles, learning your baby’s hunger cues, and more. $60 per couple with M-Care insurance reimbursement and multi-class discount offered. Call 663-1523; patty@center4cby.com.

Combining Work and Breastfeeding with Barbara Robertson of Center for the Childbearing Year • May 14, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or July 1, 6:30-9 p.m. • In this class, we will discuss strategies for returning to work. Types of breast pumps, the experience of pumping, safe storage of breastmilk, and more will be covered. Each mother, with the help of the group, will have the opportunity to work toward a personal plan for her unique work situation. Nursing babies welcome. Can be taken prior to birth. $30 with multi-class discount offered. Call 663-1523; patty@center4cby.com.

Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation with Barbara Robertson of Center for the Childbearing Year • June 21, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. • This workshop provides a grounding in the fundamentals of breastfeeding and will educate professionals who work with women postpartum in the counseling skills necessary to assess and correct breastfeeding problems. $65 with early registration discount offered. 6 Nursing CEs. Call 663-1523; patty@center4cby.com.